Only United We Can Resist Boko Haram – Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon urged Nigerians from all walks of life to unite against members of the Boko Haram sect.

Gowon said this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna.

"All Nigerians need to come together and unleash their energy against the security challenges and national malaise called Boko Haram," Gowon said.

He said that until Nigerians start to cooperate with the federal and state governments to find a solution to the Boko Haram insurgence in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, the country would continue experience instability.

He said violence was not an element of democracy.

Gowon also called on Northern leaders to provide the right leadership to ensure that the youth who are used to foment troubles in the region were gainfully employed.

"We appeal to our politicians not to resort to violence in the name of freedom that comes with democracy," he added.

General Yakubu Gowon was the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975.